During my first gain, I initially remember my BMI increasing up the “overweight” range and approaching the “obese” range, but never really feeling much bigger. It was only the little things that changed: I couldn’t walk as spritely, clothes were getting tighter, the belly now spilled over the belt when sitting, etc.
I think when I was borderline “obese” in BMI terms did I notice thicker love handles and rolls when contorting my body and a much fuller face from a photo; I could also start jiggling the belly when reclining on the couch; it was then that I realised, “damn, I’m fat.”
The funny thing was, everyone but me was clearly noticing the physical changes. I still remember receiving a shirt as a gift and being surprised that they had opted for “large” (and got the size correct).
1 year
